I have enjoyed the dream series the past few Saturdays. Thank you to all those that have participated in these posts.

Today I have a fun dream stretch. I am curious what some of these dreams will be. At my church, Grace Community Church, we are seeing God do amazing things. This post was inspired a result of that activity of God.  Somehow, I believe we have only scratched the surface of all God dreams for us to do.  (I’d love our people to participate in this dream stretch, as well as other churches.) This dream is more specific than last week’s world problem dream stretch. I want to hear your dream for the local church.

Here is today’s Saturday Dream Stretch:

If money, time, or volunteers were no limitation, what would you have your church be able to do? What dream do you have for your local church?

Go ahead….DREAM BIG! I don’t believe for a second you can out dream God.  As with previous dream stretches, please comment here on the blog, rather than to me through Facebook or Twitter, so everyone can read your response.

Are there any other dreams you’d like me to consider for a Saturday post?

You can still participate in past posts with the related posts links below this one.

This video from Ted blows my mind. I love big dreams…I love mind-stretching exercises…this one helps me think bigger than I might normally think. It’s 18 minutes long, but it’s worth watching. Whether you agree with this line of thinking or solution to global problems is not the issue here, but feel free to share them. I’m sharing this because I love how big Paul Romer is thinking.

What do you think? Will this work? More than that, does it make you think bigger?

 
Next time you question your abilities to pursue your God-given vision , consider the story of Moses:

Moses said to the LORD, “O Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.” The LORD said to him, “Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the LORD ? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.” But Moses said, “O Lord, please send someone else to do it.” Exodus 4:10-13

Moses was used of God to do incredible things for God’s glory, yet Moses, more than many leaders I know, questioned his own abilities. He lacked confidence and would have probably never volunteered for the job. His reasons might have been:

• Past failure
• Fear
• The task was overwhelming
• He was intimidated by the Asker
• He felt unqualified

What’s your excuse for not obeying the vision God has placed in your heart? Is it really a valid reason?
Perhaps you need to do as Moses did…walk by faith, not by sight.

 
For the next few weeks, I’m going to be encouraging dream Saturdays. I have often believed that dreaming is a healthy exercise. I think God encourages big dream.

How can anyone read this verse and not have their imagination do a little stretching?

However, as it is written: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him” 1 Corinthians 2:9

I believe dreams help us heal from negative emotions, stretch our imagination, and encourage us in the midst of difficult times.  Sure dreams alone won’t solve the problems we face, but they may help point us towards a positive direction…and who knows…we may just head our life towards attaining some of them.

So, here’s the deal. I will throw out a dream category and you share your dream with a comment. (I know some of you read these from Facebook and it’s easier to share the comment there, but I hope you’ll take the time to share them on the blog, so those that don’t read via Facebook can read them also.)

This weeks dream stretcher:

If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go?

(Keep in mind, this is a dream, so stretch your mind….in dream world there is no limits of finances, time, or physical restraints.)

Share your answer now then check back to see where others are dreaming of visiting.

 
This week I have been at Moody Founder’s Week in Chicago. I told my son Nate, who attends Moody, that this would be on my list of conferences while he is in school here. We had been previously, which is one of the reasons he chose the school. This is a true church conference. While it is not my typical conference, I have enjoyed hearing the challenging messages in a more traditional setting.

Getting out of town always provides me with time to develop new thoughts. Often I get into such a routine at home, that I don’t stop to just reflect, ponder, think and dream. I have to be alone, totally removed from my normal comfort zone it seems to really slow down enough to reflect. Yesterday, between sessions, I went for a long run along the Lake Shore Drive. (This is my favorite city in which to run. I posted about that once HERE.) About half way through the run, as I was talking to God, it seemed He impressed on my heart that there are new challenges He wants me to consider.

While I didn’t have a clue what this could mean at this point in our conversation, here is the prayer I prayed (as best as I can remember praying while running):

“God, I don’t want to possess a man-made vision…mine or anyone else’s. I don’t want a hand-me-down version of Your plan…I want to hear from You…I want Your vision…Your presence…Your glory. Protect my heart from wandering or being attracted to anything less than 100% of Your will… God, as You lead me, I will follow…”

It was a great heart check. The rest of the day I spent trying to unpack some of where I sense Him encouraging me to go and do. I don’t have all the answers, and from experience I may not for weeks, but I’m starting to understand some things. A couple thoughts relative to Grace Community Church I will actually share over the next couple days on this blog.  More than anything, however, I am committed to following His heart. That’s always proven to be a good thing in my life!

How do you get your heart on track with God? Do you do it with people or away from people?  Where do you go to do your best reflecting.

Please share your thoughts here for all readers to enjoy.

 

I meet so many people that have been injured by failure, hurt or disappointment, to the point that they refuse to take a chance again. Jesus used parables to teach life applications. Recently one of Jesus’ parables reminded me of some important principles regarding life’s difficulties and the process we go through seeing our dreams come true. I realize Scripture has only one meaning, but for me this parable has a new application.

The parable is Mark 4:26-29

Here is the encouragement I received:

Plant – One important step after a failure is to get started with life again. You have to at least plant something. Many times people never get started again pursuing their dreams. It’s impossible to harvest a crop you never planted.

Plant the right seeds – Remember, you will reap what you sow. If you have made mistakes, learn from them and plant new seeds. Head your life in the direction you want it to go.

Understand You Can’t Control Circumstances – The farmer can’t control the weather. You and I cannot control other people. Once we plant, we can’t control all the circumstances. You may have to take a risk again, even though there are few guarantees.

Harvest – Trust the harvest will come. If you head your life in the right direction, and wait on God to work His will, eventually you will experience success. Don’t let impatience keep you from waiting on God’s perfect timing.

Have you been holding back because of fear or worry? Maybe now is the time to get back to farming!

I have only recently started following Jarrett Stevens closely, but I am instantly inspired by his vision. Jarrett has a pedigree resume, having served in key roles at Willow Creek Church and North Point Church. He is the author of The Deity Formerly Known as God. The part of his story that inspires me the most is his current venture. Jarrett and his wife Jeanne are leaving the comfort of the mega church to launch Soul City Church in Chicago. It is one of the most publicized and talked about starts of a church of which I have been aware.

I am curious on the front end of this planting experience to learn more about how Jarrett thinks, so here are my 10 questions with Jarrett Stevens:

1. When you were growing up, is this what you thought you would be doing vocationally? If not, what did you want to do?
No. For the longest time I wanted to be a Christian Stunt Man (this is sadly too true to be funny or ironic). I wanted to be a light to those in the Action Stunt Industry. Once that dream faded, I thought for sure that I would be a Third Grade School Teacher.

2. What’s the most different job you’ve had from what you are doing now and how did that job help you with what you are doing now?
Pizza Delivery Guy, or as I like to call it – Domestic Food Export Industry. It taught me that I love serving people and playing a small role in their joy. It also taught me how to drive stick.

3. Who is one person, besides Christ, who most helped to shape your leadership and how did they help you?
Sheryl Fleischer. She was a Spiritual Mentor who shaped my leadership by dissecting, dismantling, and slowly rebuilding my soul. I didn’t learn a single leadership principle from her in the three years that we met. But I would not be the leader I am today without her.

4. Besides the Bible, what is one book that has most helped to shape your thought process in life and ministry?
Just One? Not possible.
Moments with the Savior – Ken Gire
Inner Voice of Love – Henir Nouwen
War of Art by Steven Pressfield
Good to Great – Jim Collins
Signature of Jesus – Brennan Manning
Rise of the Creative Class / Who’s your City – Richard Florida
Emotionally Healthy Spirituality by Peter Scezaro

5. What are three words other people would use to describe your work style/ethic?
Ideator
Developer
Fun

6. What is your greatest strength in leadership?
Ideas.

7. What is your greatest weakness in leadership?
Intentional Thorough Follow Through

8. What is the hardest thing you have to do in leadership?
Submit myself fully to God and live from His love and approval.

9. What is one misconception about your position you think people in your church may have?
That I’m the only Lead Pastor

10. If you could give one piece of advice to young leaders from what you’ve learned by experience, what would it be?
That Christian Culture is a tiny bubble in light of a world filled God’s love and acceptance and millions of people who desperately need it. Seek first the kingdom of God in every corner and crevasse of your life and in this world and settle for nothing less.

Jarrett has a huge vision. I look forward to following him in the years to come.

You can read the other interviews in this series in the links below this post. (For those reading this in a reader or email, please go to the website for more.)

Are you enjoying these interviews? Who should I interview next?

Distrust and caution are the parents of security. Benjamin Franklin

I love the quotes of history. Some of the best wisdom has been around for the ages. Once while running in Philadelphia through the University of Pennsylvania campus, I noticed this quote embedded in the sidewalk. Running is some of my best thinking time and when I saw it, I instantly was inspired.

I think what Franklin was saying was that in order to achieve something in life that’s meaningful; you usually have to take a risk. Some of the best things in life will never happen without being a risk-taker. If we try to hold too tightly to the things we love because we are fearful of losing them, we may miss out on the best parts of life.  Whether in love, business, church, friendships or families, there is risk involved in seeing it succeed.

Are you playing your life too safe? Has your fear, distrust and caution caused you to retreat to a place of security? You can never protect you or your family completely from hurt or failure, and by limiting yourself to what seems safe, you may keep yourself from realizing all that God has for you. Be smart, stay anchored to God, but be willing to risk attaining the dreams you have in your heart.

Are you inspired? What’s your next move? Take one step forward today!

Now Sarah lived 127 years; these were all the years of her life. Genesis 23:1

Sarah lived 127 years. That’s all. Period. End of the writing of her story on earth. Her memory would live on and we are still reading and talking about her today, but as far as altering her story she only had 127 years of days in which to write it.

Most likely none of us will have that many years to write our story. We don’t know how many until our story is fully written, but almost certainly it will be less than Sarah’s years.

One thing we have in common with Sarah, however, is that the sum total of our years on earth will complete the writing of our story or at least the impact we can have on writing it. The legacy we leave behind and the memories we implant in the minds and hearts of others will be determined by what we do with the number of years we have.

That is a powerful thought to me this morning. I am building lasting memories, my legacy. I am writing my story. The things my family remembers most about me, the results of my work and ministry and the treasures I leave behind will be decided by the way I live the total number of my years.

That is true of your life also. How are you doing? If the story of your life was on it’s final page today, have you written the story you wanted to write? If not, then what changes do you need to make?

Grab your pen and start writing a new chapter. Allow God to alter your path and head you to a better ending to your story if you need Him to do so. Evaluating your story now may help your final story be a better story than it would have been without that consideration.

What is one change you could make in your life to write a better story?

Sadly, people end each year no better than they end any other year, because they continue to repeat the same mistakes and live out the same bad patterns and habits they have always lived.

If you want to make genuine, sustaining changes, consider your answers to the following five questions. For best results, write your answers to these questions on paper. There is a certain finality of purpose when you invest time and energy recording them.

Is my life headed in the right direction? If you continue living your life the way you have been living it, will you eventually achieve the dreams and plans you have for your life? If not, then move to question number two.

Am I willing to make changes? You will never make change that lasts if your heart is not into making them. Be honest.

What are a few changes I can make that could have the greatest impact? Don’t try to change too much at one time. It could be in your finances, health, relationships or church attendance, but usually a few changes, whether major or minor, will have significant impact. If you are overwhelmed with the changes needed, read THIS POST.

What disciplines are needed to realize these changes in my life? You may need to get up 15 minutes early each day. Perhaps you need to read one chapter of a book each night. Maybe you want to start taking your lunch to work to save money. Think through some practical ways you can discipline yourself to stay on track.

Who can hold me accountable? Recruit someone to help you achieve your objectives. Give them the changes you want to implement and allow them the freedom to question your progress periodically. Ultimately your success is dependent on you, but knowing you will be asked often keeps you moving in the right direction.

Many of the outcomes the of your life will be greatly determined by your willingness to allow positive changes in your life. Let me encourage you to make wise choices for a positive and productive life.

One important closing thought. It is my firm belief that the only way to experience real life, the way we were intended to live it, is through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. If you do not have that relationship or it is not as strong as it should be, start there. If you need help, email me at ron.edmondson@gmail.com

What changes are you making in your life these days?

If you need help writing a life plan, consider THIS POST.